India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Geographical Indication (GI) tags have emerged as a powerful tool for protecting India's cultural heritage, while creating economic opportunities for local communities. By linking products to their place of origin, GI tags preserve traditional knowledge, prevent misuse, and enhance consumer trust. They help artisans, weavers, farmers, and producer groups secure better market recognition and gain access to premium markets. India's GI ecosystem has expanded significantly over the years, supported by a robust legal framework and growing public awareness. Government initiatives are further strengthening this ecosystem through financial assistance, export promotion, tourism integration, and dedicated marketing platforms. Together, these efforts are transforming GI products into drivers of rural development, cultural preservation, and export-led growth.
A GI tag is more than a label. As per the Ministry of Textiles, it can raise rural artisans' incomes by 20-30%!
Success Story of Muzaffarnagar Jaggery: From Local Specialty to Global Markets
DID YOU KNOW?
Regulation of GI
Leading export destinations for Indian GI products include the UK, Italy, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, the USA, South Korea.
Through the 2025 amendment, the fee for filing GI applications and related processes has been reduced by 80%. The renewal fee for the tag has also been cut from Rs.3,000 down to just Rs.500!
Before a product can receive the certification, it must meet specific legal and procedural requirements. India's GI registration system defines who can apply, how long protection lasts, and the circumstances under which a GI may be revoked.
GI Exclusions: What Cannot Be Registered
Can a GI tag be revoked?
Dedicated Retail & Infrastructure Spaces
GI Trails
MSME Innovative Scheme
Financial assistance
APEDA's Export Drives
Market
GI Product
Key Impact
Maldives
Karnataka GI fruits
Canada
Salem Sago
Expanded demand, better incomes
UK & Italy
Joha Rice
Dubai
Tezpur Litchi
~10% higher prices for growers
The EU-India FTA Connection
Promotional Events
The GI tag for Muzaffarnagar Jaggery has helped strengthen its identity as a premium product with distinct quality and origin. Leveraging this recognition, Brijnandan Agro Farmer Producer Company successfully exported 30 metric tons of jaggery to Bangladesh in 2025. The GI certification enhanced buyer confidence and improved the product's marketability in international markets.
GI Registration Framework
As a result, the farmer-led company gained access to export opportunities. It increased income prospects for its 545 members, and created greater value for locally produced jaggery.
India is home to over 800 registered GI products and 607 GIs have been granted since 2014.
& better price realization
GI Tag- Safeguarding India's Unique Products
A weaver in Banaras spends weeks crafting a single Banarasi saree. Every thread of intricate zari work is woven with exceptional precision and skill. These techniques are not learned overnight. They are passed down through generations, preserving a centuries-old tradition.
Yet, despite the effort and craftsmanship involved, many authentic Banarasi sarees are often sold at prices far below their true value. Buyers may not always be able to distinguish a genuine handwoven saree from other imitations. This is where two words make all the difference- GI Tag (Geographical Indication).
A GI tag certifies that the saree is genuinely made in Banaras using traditional methods. It assures buyers of its authenticity, quality, and cultural heritage. As a result, the authentic Banarasi saree can command a significantly higher price in domestic and international markets. This ensures that the weaver receives greater recognition and better economic returns for their craftsmanship.
Significance of GI goods in Indian tradition, economy, sustainability
A GI tag serves as a seal of authenticity for artisanal crafts, safeguarding them against imitation, misuse, and unauthorized commercialization. Its significance, however, extends far beyond legal protection. For instance, the Channapatna toys received GI recognition in 2006. This recognition applies only to wooden toys made in Karnataka's Channapatna region. The toys must be produced using the region's distinctive lacquerware art. Although it may appear to be a simple certification, the tag can deliver far-reaching benefits.
By certifying a product's origin and unique heritage, GI tags instil confidence among buyers and enhance the product's market appeal.
Darjeeling Tea from West Bengal was the first product in India to receive a GI tag, with protection extended to both the product and its logo. Other early registrations included Aranmula Kannadi, a traditional handicraft from Kerala, and Pochampalli Ikat, a renowned textile craft from Telangana.
In the last 10 years, authorized users for GI tags increased from 365 to 29,000 (as of January 2025)..
As a form of intellectual property, GIs are recognised internationally under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In India, their registration and protection are overseen by the Geographical Indications Registry under the 1999 Act.
India established a legal framework for protecting products linked to specific regions through the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 and the accompanying Rules notified in 2002. The framework became operational in 2003, and GI registrations commenced in 2004-05. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, were amended in 2025.
Key Sectors & States with GI Tagged products
India is home to GI-tagged products across categories such as handicraft products, agricultural products, manufactured goods, food products and natural products.
Several Indian states are driving India's GI legacy. As of December 2025, Uttar Pradesh is the leading state with 81 GI-tagged products. It is followed by Tamil Nadu (76 GI-tagged products) and Maharashtra (55 GI-tagged products).
Behind the GI Tag: Registration, Protection and Renewal
Any association of producers, organisation, or authority established under law can apply for GI registration. The applicant must be a legal entity and represent the interests of the producers of the concerned product. If the applicant is not a producers' association, it must prove that it represents the producers' interests. Similarly, an authority applying for registration must also demonstrate that it represents the producers of the product.
Application or any other document may be filed directly in the GI Registry. It may also be sent by post, registered post, speed post or courier services. The GI Registry is located at Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, which has all-India Jurisdiction.
The registration of a GI is valid for ten years, but may be renewed from time to time.
The revocation, cancellation, or variation of a GI registration is governed by Section 27 of the Act. Any aggrieved person may apply to the Registrar or the competent authority for cancellation or variation of a registered GI. The Registrar or the Appellate Board may also initiate such action on their own if necessary.
A GI registration may be revoked or cancelled if:
Schemes & Policies Bolstering GI Tag
The Government is promoting GI products through initiatives aimed at improving awareness, market access, exports, and legal protection. Aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, these efforts are empowering artisans, farmers, and producer communities. They are also enhancing the domestic and global recognition of India's unique regional products.
Certain platforms have been introduced to enhance product visibility, strengthen access to buyers, and create new opportunities for traditional producers.
GI clusters are being integrated into mainstream tourism itineraries. Much like wine tours in France, India is experimenting with GI Trails (like a Pochampally Ikkat weaving village tour or a Darjeeling tea estate trail). This blends experiential tourism with direct-to-consumer rural retail.
In June 2026, Muga Silk Trail was announced in Assam, along with a Silk Tourism Park and Muga Utsav festivals. This positions Assam as a premier destination for silk heritage tourism.
Support is provided under the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) component of the MSME Innovative Scheme for IP protection and commercialization, including GIs. Under the scheme, eligible applicants can receive reimbursement of the actual cost incurred for GI registration. The reimbursement covers up to 100% of the cost, subject to a maximum limit of Rs.2 lakh per registered GI.
The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), under the Ministry of Textiles, provides financial support for GI protection. Eligible applicants can receive up to Rs.1.5 lakh for enforcing GI rights and covering legal expenses related to protection of GIs. Besides, the Government promotes products under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) & National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP). Financial assistance is offered for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products, training personnel of implementing agencies and effective enforcement of GI registration.
104 GI-registered handloom products and 53 registrations are supported under Handloom Marketing Assistance, a component of NHDP (June 2026).
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is strengthening the global presence of India's GI-tagged agricultural products. It supports farmers and exporters through quality improvement, capacity building, infrastructure support, and market promotion.
In 2026, APEDA accelerated exports of GI-tagged products by opening new international markets for farmers and producer groups. From fresh fruits to traditional rice and processed foods, these first-time shipments strengthened the global presence of India's regional specialties while improving returns for producers.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) enhance the value of GIs by expanding market access for distinctive regional products. GI tags certify authenticity and origin, while FTAs reduce trade barriers and improve export opportunities. Reflecting their growing importance, GIs have become a key issue in India's trade negotiations-
Exhibitions, awareness programmes, and international trade events are organised to showcase GI-tagged products, widen markets, and support the livelihoods of artisans and weavers.
The Road Ahead: Scaling India's GI Success Story
India's GI ecosystem is evolving into a bridge between tradition and opportunity. Protecting heritage and empowering local producers, GI tags create lasting economic value. They also expand access to domestic and global markets. These efforts ensure India's unique regional products continue to thrive for generations. With a target of 10,000 GI registrations by 2030, India is well positioned to strengthen its heritage economy and enhance the global presence of its unique regional products.
References
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
https://varanasi.nic.in/district-produce/banarasi-saree/
https://ariyalur.nic.in/geographical-indications/
Ministry of Law & Justice
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1981/5/A1999-48.pdf
https://ipindia.gov.in/frontend/pdf/mannual/GAZETTE_NOTIFICATION_AMENDED_GI_RULES_2025.pdf
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1981
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1981/1/a199948.pdf
Ministry of Tourism
https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/karnataka/channapatna-toys-and-dolls
https://www.indiator.com/package/a-day-excursion-to-textile-village-pochampally-from-hyderabad
https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/west-bengal/darjeeling/happy-valley-tea-estate
Ministry of Textiles
https://www.indiahandmade.com/blog/why-do-gi-tags-make-indian-handicrafts-global-and-boost-artisan-livelihoods?srsltidAfmBOorwnYG19-Hd5LVKdyTeYtIIrcMJ_TZX-vUeJ6V61Du9bZ7Wrb4b
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2152551®48&lang2
https://x.com/TexMinIndia/status/2066117182086603038
https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID1579529®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID2113550®48&lang2
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2113966®48&lang2
https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/187/AU2947_WBLKzd.pdf?sourcepqals
https://ipindia.gov.in/frontend/pdf/gi/registered/State_wise_Registered_GI_of_India.pdf
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID2239598®6&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2270578®3&lang1
https://www.commerce.gov.in/files/2026-04/final_1.pdf
https://www.dpiit.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/03/863a5fef349d79a1bba316c4b51eaacb.pdf
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID2206803®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2149738®48&lang2
Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2271522®3&lang1
https://innovative.msme.gov.in/Home/AboutIpr
https://ciprpf.com/msme-innovative-scheme
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2038537®48&lang2
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2268097®48&lang2
Ministry of Railways
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID1942801®48&lang2
European Parliament
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-global-europe-leveraging-our-power-and-partnerships/file-eu-india-fta-bit-and-gi-agreement?sid10301
South Asian Journal of Management Research
https://siberindia.edu.in/journals/SAJMR/Oct-2021/Paper-5.pdf
Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks & Registrar of GIs
https://ipindia.gov.in/frontend/pdf/mannual/1_31_1_manual-of-geographical-indications-practice-and-procedure.pdf
Chanakya National Law University
https://www.cnlu.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15-Yashna-Walia-and-Shreya-Kumar-1.pdf
IBEF
https://www.ibef.org/giofindia
https://www.ibef.org/blogs/promotion-of-geographical-indications-gis-in-india
See in PDF
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
